OVF GATE CLOSING

Locking the gates and securing the OVF sheds is one of the most important community service jobs at Ocean View Farms.

1. OVF members will recieve 8 hours of community service credit for succesfully completeing one week of gate closing duty.
2. OVF members may sign up for a maximum of 2 one-week gate closing assignments.
        Sign up sheets for the following year are posted in the Main Shed
        during the Saturday Workday in December.
3. All gates and sheds are locked at sunset. Consult the Los Angeles Times or view all the 2010 Los Angeles Sunset times here.
4. Gate closers should make an attempt to arrive at the garden before sunset and walk the property to give any members present a polite notice the gates will be locked shortly.
5. Garden members must begin finishing their tasks when notified the gates will be locked shortly.
6. Gate closing responsibilities include:
   
   • Closing and locking both the Tool Shed and Wheelbarrow Shed located between Phase I and II. (Be sure to slide the latch all the way to the right and that the door does not lift up.)
   • Insuring the gate at the bottom of the orchard along Centinela Avenue is locked.
   • Insuring the 5 gates at the top of the garden along the parking area are locked.
   • Insuring the double gate at the top of the garden near the stable waste bins is locked.
   • Insuring that both the Shredder Shed and Chipper Shed in the compost area are locked.
   • Closing and locking the Main Gate (Driveway) on Centinela Avenue. Wrap the chain around the two gates and put the lock through the chain links.

If you cannot honor your commitment to close the gates, it is up to you to find a replacement and it must be a garden member. Once you have a replacement, it is your responsibility to call or email the Gate Monitor, Orna Walters, with the replacement's first & last name, phone number and plot #. There is an Emergency Back Up List of members willing to cover these situations posted in the main shed.

If it is your first time closing gates, you may want to come to the garden and ask the member on duty to show you how to perform the various tasks during their tour.

If a garden member gives you trouble on leaving try to get their name, plot # or a description of their vehicle and report this to the Gate Monitor. Members will receive a citation from either the Gardenmaster or Chair for refusing to leave in a prompt manner when notified by the Gate Closer. Please make every effort to avoid unwanted confrontations.

During Little League season (February - June), but particualarly early in the season before the Daylight Savings Time change, there may be volunteers working after sunset. Once the garden is secure, try to find a responsible Little League volunteer (usually someone in the snack bar) and ensure they will lock the driveway gate. As a Gate Closer you may leave at this time. Please make sure that the lock on the driveway gate is unlocked before you leave.

The City of Los Angeles occasionally allows film crews to use the parking facilities on the property. In the event a film crew is staying after sunset, once the garden is secure, notify the security guard, or another person in charge and ensure they will lock the driveway gate when they leave. As a Gate Closer you may leave at this time. Please make sure that the lock on the driveway gate is unlocked before you leave.

Little League volunteers or film crews staying after sunset DOES NOT permit OVF members to do the same!